Surgical technologists are integral members of the medical team in the operating room. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a physician or a registered nurse and are involved in all aspects of perioperative care. Typical responsibilities include operating room set-up, including the arrangement of necessary instrumentation, patient preparation and monitoring, complete cleanup of the surgical suite, instruments and equipment. Employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow significantly over the next three to five years. Coupled with the Worcester area’s strong employment base in healthcare, graduates should anticipate good job prospects. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Ph: 727.210.2350, www.caahep.org.
The curriculum provides students with the classroom and clinical experiences necessary to perform effectively as a surgical technologist. Additionally, students will be prepared to take the professional certification examination offered by the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to obtain employment as a surgical technologist or to continue their studies at the Associate degree level in disciplines such as Registered Nursing or any one of the allied health professions.
Students should anticipate additional expenses for parking. All classes are scheduled at the QCC College at City Square. There are also additional costs for uniforms, transportation and/or related travel costs to the clinical site.
Students who do not have completed health files submitted to the Surgical Technology Program and cleared by the program coordinator by August 15th of the respective year will be removed from their surgical technology courses and will have to file for readmission to the next available year.
Admissions Process
Specialized Health Careers Advising facilitates the entry of students to Health Care Programs. All students applying should contact Health Careers Advising at 508.854.4308.
In order to be considered for the Surgical Technology Certificate program, students must have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). To be eligible for admission the applicant must take QCC’s Math and English assessment tests to demonstrate competency at the appropriate level. Applicants must test into MAT 099 and ENG 101. Math course must have been taken in the last five years. All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher to remain in the program. A HOBET composite score of 45% is required. Required HOBET scores must be achieved within two attempts of taking the test.
CORI/SORI
A Criminal Offender Records Information (CORI) Sexual Offender Records Information (SORI) check is required of all students accepted into the program. Finger printing may be required and drug testing will be required. All students must submit evidence of a positive Hepatitis B titer to be admitted to the program.
Additional Costs
Surgical technology students should anticipate additional expenses for uniforms/clinical wear, textbooks, professional liability insurance, certification examinations, and any required skills remediation.
Technical Performance Standards: Prior to application please review the Technical Standards requirements on pages 16-19 in current college catalog.
A total of 41 credits is required for the certificate in Surgical Technology.
All students accepted into Surgical Technology Program must obtain Health Care provider (Red Cross) or Professional Rescuer (American Heart Association) CPR certification and provide documentation of immunization currency and satisfactory health status prior to beginning clinical experience.
Students are required to scrub 125 cases (assisted or solo) to complete the program.
During clinical rotations all activities required in the program must be educational and students may not be paid or substituted for staff.
Gainful Employment Disclosure
The CIP Code is 51.0909. See http://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/CIP?s=51.0909&g=Go for more information.
The cost of this program for tuition and fees is $9,321 and estimated books and supplies are $1,230.
Courses
Semester 1 (Summer I & II)
Principles of Human Biology or Introduction to the Human Body
Semester 2
Perioperative issues
Operating Room Techniques
Asepsis
Surgical Procedures I: General, Obstetrics/ Gynecology & Orthopedic
Surgical Procedures II: Opthalmology, Ear/Nose/Throat, Dental/ Oral/ Maxillo Facial, Plastic/ Reconstructive & Genito-Urinary
Ethics
Semester 3
Clinical externship I
Advanced Surgical Procedures: Thoracic, Neurosurgery, Peripheral & Cardiovascular
Clinical Externship II
Advanced Clinical Externship